The Greater Mabula Private Game Reserve, in Waterberg, Limpopo, has welcomed three young adult male lions from the Kalahari. After much in-depth research to find the exact genetically unrelated match, the relocation was prompted by the ongoing initiatives to increase genetic diversity on the reserve.

The translocation was assisted by The Bateleurs. Founded in 1998, The Bateleurs is a non-profit company that has over 200 volunteer pilots as well as aircraft. It has co-ordinated several thousand flights and diverse missions throughout South Africa and Africa in support of environmental issues.

The three sedated lions were flown in a Pilatus PC12 aircraft, piloted by Menno Parsons and carefully monitored by veterinarian, Dr Andy Fraser.

The lions were initially kept in a boma to allow them to settle and acclimatise to their new home. Mabula Game Lodge has been home to wild free-roaming lion since the ’90s and these are the fifth generation of lions on the reserve.

The lions have now finally been released into the reserve where they will meet the resident pride of females. All three settled in well and have already begun to explore their new home.

“The translocation was a huge success and we thank all parties involved,” says Ivan Kilian, Mabula Reserve Manager. “These animals promise to be an excellent addition to the reserve.”